John Paton and Prayer
I recently started a book by missionary John Paton called Thirty Years Among South Seas Cannibals. I am only a few chapters into it, but already, its story is captivating, while at the same time, an example to learn from. Paton describes a particular event during his growing-up years in which there was practically no food in the house. His mother’s actions in response to God’s direct provision left a lasting impression on John's young mind, as well as his spiritual life. He says: “My mother, seeing our surprise at such an answer to her prayers, took us around her knees, thanked God for His goodness, and said to us: ‘O my children, love your Heavenly Father, tell Him in faith and prayer all your needs, and He will supply your wants so far as it shall be for your good and His glory.” (pg. 50-51) And it really is true. Praying with those two things in mind—that God will answer according to what is best for us and that He will do it according to His glory—very much affects our p